In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Baldwin School District established a disaster relief center for its residents and employees in the district office, on Hastings Street. This location was in the heart of the neighborhoods most seriously impacted by Sandy — and was itself without power.

There were too many people involved in this effort to thank individually. However, on behalf of the Baldwin School community, I would like to extend our thanks to the residents of Rockville Centre who contributed to this effort.

On Nov. 4, we were gathering our preliminary supplies when a dozen cars arrived from the Rockville Centre Recreation Center, full of exactly the supplies that were needed. Men, women and children emptied those cars and then pitched in to help us organize everything on tables for distribution.

As if this wasn’t enough, volunteers from the Recreation Center returned multiple times throughout the week to help keep us stocked with essential supplies. Whenever we called, they came.

As a result, we were able to help ease the burden for those most affected by the storm, providing supplies, moral support and a sense of community that was very much appreciated. This would not have been possible without the help of those Rockville Centre residents who contributed, and the unconditional support of the Rockville Centre Recreation Center, its staff and its volunteers. Thank you all very much.